Citing Lack of Money, Haskell Indian Nations University Shuts Down Football Program for Upcoming Season

Breaking News

LAWRENCE, KANSAS — In a move to reduce operating expenses, Haskell Indian Nations University announced Thursday it is suspending the upcoming Haskell football season and other intercollegiate athletic programs.

The measure was taken by the National Haskell Board of Regents on the recommendation of Haskell President Venida Chenault who notes the rising cost of intercollegiate athletic programs and other factors makes it difficult for Haskell to compete.

The move allows the university to prioritize funding for existing, new unidentified academic programs and essential student services at the university.

According to today’s news release, the suspension of the football season will not negatively impact football players who came to Haskell to play football.

“Student athletes will not lose eligibility but will have a strong developmental year for academic and physical conditioning over the coming year. Releases are being provided to student athletes who made a commitment prior to the decision,” reads the news release in part.

The university cites escalating costs of equipment, facilities and travel, as well as additional research about the long term impact of concussions on players in sports factored into its decision to drop the football program.

Review of remaining sports programs is also underway with an anticipated reduction to six additional sports now offered by Haskell.

Remaining programs will operate in an independent conference for the 2015/16 academic year.

Haskell enjoys a 117-year history of serving American Indian students from various parts of Indian Country at various age levels at different times during its history. Haskell football teams in the early 1900’s to the 1930’s are legendary. And even after the 1930’s, when the emphasis on football began to decrease, athletics remained a high priority to Haskell students and alumni. Today, Haskell continues to pay tribute to great athletes by serving as the home of the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.

About The Author

Levi Rickert, a tribal citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, is the publisher and editor of Native News Online. Previously, he served as editor of the Native News Network. He is a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

5 Comments

Lena Toledo4 years ago

With over 1,000 students attending this educational institution, why were the tribal councils asked for donations? What is the real reason for the suspension?

STEPHEN BYFIELD3 years ago

My understanding is that as “Federal Employees” the employee’s of Haskell at not allowed to seek, assistance outside the university. It is a shame but the US government will be breaking promises to “ALL” Americans when the currency collapses.. “Unfunded mandates”.. heard that ? It’s the Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other that the govt will NOT have enough money to pay. Social Security is now a “Ponzi Scheme” as are many other gov’t programs. The US government hasn’t for years given Haskell the money it needs to educate American Indian students as promised by treaty.

Avis4 years ago

That’s interesting that the “long-term impact of concussions” are mentioned as a reason to cut football. This is why I won’t let my son play. I will donate to the foundation. Haskell is special to me.

STEPHEN BYFIELD3 years ago

Don’t donate, call the two senators in the state you live in and tell them what you think. The governtment can easily set aside twice what they were funding Haskell but won’t do it.. The govt also mismangaged “Indiant Trusts” losing…actually not being able to account for “billions”..The govt should pay!

Rick3 years ago

I feel that with all the casinos that the native tribes have, they have a relative or themselves that attended Haskell. So they ought to contribute at least .05% towards this school, to operate sports for our Native students. Casinos are allowed 10% of revenues to contributions, why not for our FUTURE…..

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